Diaphragm and casing construction.



F. N. ROEHRICH.

DIAPHRAGM AND CASING CONSTRUCTION.

APPLIGATION FILED'AUG.12, 1913.

1,097,595, Patented May19, 1914,-

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DIAPHRAGM AND CASING CONSTRUCTION.

APPLIOATION FILED AUG. 12, 1913.

1,097,595. Patented May 19,1914.

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P. N. ROBHRIOH. DIAPHRAGM AND GASING CONSTRUCTION APPLICATION FILED AUG.12, 1913. 1,097,595. Patented May 19, 1914.

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32' all COLUMBIA PLANumzAFn C0,. WASHINGTON, D. cl

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

FRANK N. ROEHRICI-I, 0F JERSEY CITY, NEW JERSEY, ASSIGNOR TO GEORGE P.CARROLL, OF BRIDGEPORT, CONNECTICUT.

DIAPHRAGM AND CASING CONSTRUCTION.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, FRANK N. Rommiorr, a citizen of the United States,residing at Jersey City, in the county of Hudson and State of NewJersey, have invented a new and useful Diaphragm and CasingConstruction, 01'' which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to means for connecting together the casings andthe edge of the slightly flexible diaphragm that form parts of numerouspressure controlled devices, that are especially used as constituentmembers of automatic refrigerating machines, both of the absorption andthe compression type. Such devices are illustrated in the patents toCarpenter, 946,771, Jan. 18, 1910; to Carroll, 978,557, Dec. 13, 1910,(especially in Figs. 24 and 20) and to Culver, 985,1at7, Feb. 28, 1911;and also in a number of pending applications in which I am the sole or ajoint inventor. In such devices, there are a main or lower casing,usually flanged around its top, having a passage downward for connectionwith other parts of the machine, a diaphragm of thin metal with its edgeresting adjacent to the flange and usually inside a rim around theflange, a gasket, usually of lead, below or above the diaphragm at itsedge (or else two gaskets, one below and the other above the diaphragm),an upper casing resting above the edge of the diaphragm and its adjacentgasket or gaskets, and means for clamping the parts together. In such aconstruction, therefore, a gasket lies between the diaphragm and acasing. There is also a motor member, above or below the central part ofthe diaphragm, and provided with a resisting spring device, that movesin unison with the diaphragm and communicates its motion to othermechanism. In the space within the lower casing and the diaphragm isconfined some high tension vapor or gas, such as ammonia, carbon d1-oXid or compressed air, the pressure of which varies from time to time.

In the construction above described, various difliculties areencountered in practice. First, in order to make a gas tight joint thecasings have to be clamped together so tightly as to compress the gasketor gaskets and thus to diminish the height of the same. Consequently thelongitudinal position of the diaphragm, when in a neutral position, inre- Specification of Letters Patent.

Application filed August 12, 1913.

Patented May 19, 1914.

Serial No. 784,317.

lation to the casings, is altered when the easlngs are clamped together.Such alteration pre udicially affects the structure and makes itimpossible to predetermine the position of the motor member in relationto its connected mechanism. Second, the gasket being soft and yielding,under heavy pressures within the casings, the diaphragm is distorted andarched outward so as to acquire a permanent set that destroys thesensitiveness of the de' vice. And, third, incidentally, the gasket orgaskets become so misshapen that a second use thereof, afterdisconnecting the parts, is impossible.

The purpose of my invention is to make a construction that will obviateall these dii flculties and that will be simple, compact and economicalin manufacturing. The means employed for accomplishing these purposesare disclosed in the accompanying drawings and in the descriptionrelating thereto. There are also certain detail improvements ofconstruction as will also so appear.

In the drawings, Figure 1 is a vertical section of one form of myinvention through the line 1-1 of Fig. 2, looking upward, with certainparts, however, shown in elevation. Fig. 2 is a. plan view of thestructure of the preceding figure, with, however, parts of an uppercasing and of a compressing ring broken away. Fig. 3 is a partial planview of the lower casing shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a View, similar tothat in Fig. 1, of a second form of my invention. Fig. 5 is a view,similar to that in Fig. 1, of a third form of my invention. Fig. 6 is aview, similar to that in Fig. 1, of a fourth form of my invention. Fig.7 is a vertical section of a fifth form of my invention, with certainparts, however, shown in elevation. Fig. 8 is a view from beneath of theconstruction of the preceding figure. Fig. 9 is a vertical section of asixth form of my invention, with certain parts, however, shown inelevation, the structure being, in the drawing, turned through a rightangle. Fig. 10 is a view from beneath of the construction of thepreceding figure.

First considering the first form of construction, shown in Figs. 1, 2and 3: An upper casing 1 has, in its central under side, a shallowcylindrical recess 2; it has, at its center on top, a hub 3, throughwhich is a vertical cylindrical opening in axial alinement with therecess 2 and connecting with it; it has a rim 1, forming an annular walloutside of the recess 2 and perfectly flat and smooth at its undersurface; it has, in its under side around the rim 4, a high annular ringrecess 5; it has small threaded bolt holes 6, say six in number,extending from on top, immediately above the recess 5, to pointssomewhat below the top of the latter recess; it has, outside of therecess 5, a. much shallower annular rim recess 7 it has the under sideof its outer part, beyond the recess 7, cut away somewhat, so as to be alittle above the under surface of the rim 4; and it has outer boltholes, say six in number, extending vertically through the outer part ofthe casing. A compressing ring 8 has much less height than the height ofthe recess 5, measured from the under surface of the rim 4i, and can bemoved up or down within the recess. Bolts 9 screw into the holes 6 andat their lower ends bear upon the ring 8. A flanged motor member 10 hasits flange, flat on the under side, within the recess 2, the flangebeing I :of somewhat less diameter than the recess,

and it has a stem 11, extending upward through the opening in the hub 3and free to reciprocate therein.

A gasket 12, preferably of lead, surrounds the extreme lower end of therim 4' and has, bearing upon it, the ring 8. A diaphragm 13, preferablyof very thin vanadium steel, has its circumference resting against theunder sides of the rim d and the gasket 12 and has its central part incontact with the flat under surface of the member 10. hile, for use withammonia, the diaphragm 13 is preferably of vanadium steel, yet withother fluids, such as carbon dioxid or compressed air, it may be ofphosphor bronze. A lower casing 14, of the same circumference as thecasing 1, has bolt holes registering with the other bolt holes of thecasing 1; it has, within the bolt hole circle, an annular rim 15,adapted to be slid into the recess 7 outside of the gasket 12 and thering 8; it has, within the rim 15, an annular clamping surface 16,bearing against the part of the diaphragm 13 in contact with the rim 1and the gasket 12; it has, within the sur face 16, a very shallow recess17, of the same diameter as the recess 2; it has, within the recess 17,four quarter circle stops 18, extending upward for a distance slightlyless than the height of the surface 16 and of the same diameter as theflange of the mem ber 10; it has radial channels 19 between the stops18; it has, within the stops 18, a central recess 20; it has on itsunder side an externally threaded hub 21 with a vertical fluidtransmitting passage 22 extending through the hub and communicating withthe recess 20. After the ring 8, the gasket gether by bolts and nut-s23, the bolts passing through the holes near the circumference of thecasings. The casings are so formed that, while the rim 4 and the surface16 make tight contact with the diaphragm 13, the outer parts of thecasings cannot be clamped into contact. The bolts 9 are then screweddown until the ring 8 firmly presses the gasket 12 against the diaphragm13 between the rims 4 and 15. By this construction, the diaphragm 13 isfirmly clamped between the rims 4 and 15 so that its edges cannot bedrawn inward even although the pressure against the diaphragm is verygreat, whether such pressure is exerted by fluid entering the passage 22or by the member 10; the longitudinal position of the gasket, inrelation to the casings 1 and 1 1, is abso lutely maintained except asaffected by forces exerted on its central part; the slight lateralspreading of the gasket 12 effectually prevents the escape of any fluidwithin the casings, whether such fluid is below or above the diaphragm;and, incidentally, when it is necessary to disconnect the parts, byremoving the bolts and nuts 23 and loosening the bolt 9, the gasket isavailable for further use. It will be noted that the gasket 12 is boxedin, as it were, on four sides. Such a construction is necessary in orderto make an ammonia tight joint.

The central part f the casing 1, above the recess 2, constitutes a stopto prevent an excessive upward movement of the flange of the member 10,when the diaphragm 13 is forced outward by the pressure of fluidentering the aassage 22. T he stops 18 prevent an excessive inwardmovement of the diaphragm 13. And the channels 19 permit a free passageof fluid into and from the recess 17. It is assumed, as shown in thepressure controlled devices previously re ferred to, that the unshownpart of the stem 11., or some part of its connected mechanism, isbrovided with a resisting spring device tending to oppose the upwardmovement of the diaphragm, but yielding thereto at a predeterminedpressure.

Next considering the second form of construction, shown in Fig. 1: Herethe parts, that are so similar to the corresponding parts of thepreceding figures as to require no further description, are indicated bythe same numerals with the addition of an a A casing 2d, having certainparts, as indicated, similar to the casing 1, has around its recess 5 arim 25, similar to its rim at and extending as far downward it is cutaway beyond the rim 25 so as to form a flange; and

it has outer bolt holes extending vertically through its flange. Acasing 26, having certain parts, as indicated, similar to the easing14:, has an annular clamping surface 27, bearing against the part of thediaphragm 13 in contact with the rims 4 and. 25 and the gasket 12; ithas in the surface 27 an annular gasket recess containing the gasket 28,preferably of lead, registering with the gasket 12 and it has, beyondthe surface 27, an annular rim 29 that fits around the rim 25 andapproaches the flange of the easing 24- when the casings are clampedtogether by bolts and nuts 23 This second form of construction requiresthe extra gasket 28 and its containing recess. Otherwise there would bea chance for fluid, from the passage 22, to escape between the edge ofthe diaphragm 13 and the rim 29.

Next considering the third form of con struction, shown in Fig. 5: Herethe parts, that are so similar to the corresponding parts of Figs. 1, 2and 3 as to require no further description, are indicated by the samenumerals with the addition of a b A casing 30, having certain parts, asindicated, similar to the casing 1, has a rim 31, somewhat broader thanthe rim 4, around its recess; 2"; it is cut away beyond the rim 31. soas to form a flange; and it has bolt holes extending vertically throughits flange. A casing 32, having certain parts, as indicated, similar tothe casing 141-, has an annular clamping surface 33, outside of itsrecess 17 and bearing against only a part of the diaphragm 13 in contactwith the rim 31; it has, in its top beyond the surface 33, a deepannular ring recess 3st, corresponding to the recess 5 it has smallthreaded bolt holes 35 extending from beneath immediately below therecess 34-, to points somewhat above the bottom of the latter recess; ithas, outside of the recess 34, an annular rim 36, provided with verticalbolt holes, that fit around the rim 31 and approaches the flange of thecasing 30 when the casings are clamped together by bolts and nuts 23This third form of construction is like the first formv in requiringonly one gasket and it has the same advantages, except that thepositioning of the recess 34 and the holes 35 in the lower casingnecessitates the positioning of the bolts 9 in a slightly lessaccessible place.

Next considering the fourth form of construction, shown. in Fig. 6: Herethe parts, that are so similar to the corresponding parts of Fig. 5 asto require no further description, are indicated by the same numeralswith the addition of a c. The diaphragm 37, corresponding to thediaphragm 3 is of sufficient diameter to extend fully over the surface33, but it does not extend fully across the recess 34". Consequently thegasket 38, corresponding to the gasket 12",

bears against the extreme outer part of the rim 31 and also against theedge of the diaphragm 37. In all other respects the observations as tothe third form of construction here apply.

Next considering the fifth form of construction, shown in Figs. 7 and 8:Here the parts, that are so similar to the corresponding parts of F ig.5 as to require no further description, are indicated by the samenumerals with the addition of a d A casing 39, having certain parts, asindicated, similar to the casin g 30, has a clamping surface 40, similarto the corresponding surface of the rim 31; it has, beyond the surfacel0, a rim a1, projecting below the surface 40; and it is threaded aroundits circumference. A casing 42, having certain parts, as indi' cated,similar to the casing 32, has a high internally threaded rim 4.3, thatscrews around the casing 39. In this fifth form of construction, thescrewing together of the casings 39 and l2 effectually clamps thediaphragm 13 between the surfaces 10 and 33 and the gasket 12 whencompressed by the ring 8 and the bolts 9", effectually prevents anyescape of gas from either side of the diaphragm. This form is especiallyadapted for pressure devices, of medium size, where the casings are notof diameters too great for screwing together. Under such conditions thisform has all the advantages of the first form and dispenses with theouter bolts and nuts.

Finally considering the sixth form of con struction, shown in Figs. 9and 10: This form is adapted for pressure devices of small size and isconspicuous for the simplicity and compactness of its construction. Anupper casing 44 has, in its central under side, a somewhat archedcylindrical recess A5, of relatively small diameter; it has, at itscenter on top, a hub 46, through which is a cylindrical opening in axialalinement with the recess 45 and connecting with it; it has, around therecess A5, a quite wide clamping surface l? it has, beyond and below thesurface 47, a step 48; and it has, beyond and below the step 48, a deepinternally threaded rim 49. A slightly flanged motor member 50 has itsflange, flat on the underside, within the recess 45, the flange being ofmuch less diameter than the recess, and it has its stem part extendingthrough the opening in the hub 46 and free to reciprocate therein. Adiaphragm 51, preferably of a material previously stated, rests againstthe surface 47 and the flat surface of the member 50. A lower casing 52,threaded around its circumference, screws into the rim 4-9 nearly as faras the step l8; it is cut away to form a shoulder on top and has aclamping surface 53, registering with the surface l7; it has a shallowcentral cylindrical recess 54; on top, of the same diameter as therecess 45;

it has a fluid transmitting passage 55, in axial alinement with therecess 54; it has, in the surface 53, a deep annular recess; and it hastwo small bolt holes, threaded at their outer ends, a half circledistant from each other, extending from beneath into the recess. Agasket 56, preferably of lead, occupies the recess in the casing 52 andpreferably rises a trifle above the casing before the parts areassembled. Two somewhat plastic balls 57, preferably lead shot, areinserted through the bolt holes in the casing 52 so as to be in contactwith the ring 56. Finally two threaded bolts 58 are screwed into thebolt holes of the casing 52 upon the balls 57, until the balls and thegas :et 56 are pressed into one indistinguishable mass and any escape offluid, from the recess 5%, through the oint between the diaphragm 51 andthe casing, is effectually prevented.

lVhile all the drawings disclose the motor member positioned above thediaphragm and with its flan e within the upper casing, it is equallypracticable to employ my construction in connection with pressurecontrolled devices where the motor member is positioned below thediaphragm and where the resisting spring device is above and bears uponthe diaphragm, as illustrated in Fig. 20 of the patent to Carroll,previously referred to.

Except as particularly noted, all the forms of my invention have theadvantages previously stated in reference to the first form: and theyeach have their peculiar advantages.

What I have invented and what I desireto have protected by L ttersPatent is expressed in claims as follows:

I claim:

1. In combination a chamber casing having a space for containing fluid,a clamping surface around the space and a passage communicating with thespace, a diaphragm on one side near its edge bearing against saidsurface, a cover casing secured to said chamber casing, having a spaceadjacent to said diaphagm and clamping the diaphragm on the other sidethereof near the edge thereof to said surface, there being in one ofsaid casings a gasket recess adjacent to said diaphragm beyond theclamped part thereof, a gasket in said recess, and means for pressingsaid gasket upon said diaphragm.

2. In combination a chamber casing having a soace for containing fluid,a clamping surface around the space and a passage communicating with thespace, a diaphragm on one side near its ed e bearing against saidsurface, a cover casing secured to said chamber casing, having a'spaceadjacent to said diaphragm and clamping the diaphragm on the other sidethereof near the edge thereof to said surface, there being in one ofsaid casings a gasket recess adjacent to said diagasket in said recess,means for pressing said gasket upon said diaphragm, and a motor memberhaving a flange within one of said spaces bearing against the centralpart of said diaphragm.

3. In combination a chamber casing hav ing a space for containing fluid,a clamping surface around the space and a passage communicating with thespace, a diaphragm on one side near its edge bearing against saidsurface, a cover casing secured to said chamber casing, having a spaceadjacent to said diaphragm and clamping the diaphragm on the other sidethereof near the edge thereof to said surface, there being in one ofsaid casings a gasket recess adjacent to said diaphragm beyond theclamped part thereof and threaded bolt holes extending from the oppositesurface of that casing to points past the innermost wall of the recess,a gasket in said recess, intermediate compressing means bearing uponsaid gasket upon the bolt hole side thereof, and threaded bolts in saidholes for pressing said means upon said gasket and the gasket upon saiddiaphragm.

4. In combination a chamber casing having a space for containing fluid,a clamping surface around the space and a passage communicating with thespace, a diaphragm on one side near its edge bearing against saidsurface, a cover casing secured to said chamber casing, having a spaceadjacent to said diaphragm and clamping the diaphragm on the other sidethereof near the edge thereof to said surface, there being in one ofsaid casings a gasket recess adjacent to said diaphragm beyond theclamped part thereof and threaded bolt holes extending from the oppositesurface of that casing to points past the innermost wall of the recess,a gas ket in said recess, intermediate compressing means bearing uponsaid gasket upon the bolt hole side thereof, threaded bolts in saidholes for pressing said means upon said gasket and the gasket upon saiddiaphragm, and a motor member having a flange within one of said spacesbearing against the central part of said diaphragm.

5. In combination a chamber casing having a space for containing fluid,a clamping surface around the space and a passage communicating with thespace, diaphragm on one side near its edge bearing against said surface,a cover casing secured to said chamber casing, having a space adjacentto said diaphragm and clamping the diaphragm on the other side thereofnear the edge thereof to said surface, t iere being in one of saidcasings a gasket recess adjacent to said diaphragm beyond the clampedpart thereof, a gasket in said recess, and means for pressing saidgasket and said diaphragm together so as to prevent an escape of fluidthrough the joint between the diaphragm and said chamber casing.

6. In combination a chamber casing having a space for containing fluid,a clamping surface around the space and a passage com municating withthe space, a diaphragm on one side near its edge bearing against saidsurface, a cover casing secured to said chamber casing, having a spaceadjacent to said diaphragm and clamping the diaphragm on the other sidethereof near the edge thereof to said surface, there being in one ofsaid casings a gasket recess adjacent to said diaphragm beyond theclamped part thereof, a gasket in said recess, means for pressing saidgasket and diaphragm together so as to prevent an escape of fluidthrough the joint between the diaphragm and said chamber casing, and amotor member having a flange within one of said spaces bearing againstthe central part of said diaphragm.

7. In combination a chamber casing having a space for containing fluid,clamping surface around the space and a passage communicating with thespace, a diaphragm on one side near its edge bearing against saidsurface, a cover casing secured to said chamber casing, having a spaceadacent to said diaphragm and clamping the diaphragm on the other sidethereof near the edge thereof to said surface, there being in one ofsaid casings a gasket recess adjacent to said diaphragm beyond theclamped part thereof and threaded bolt holes extending from the oppositesurface of that casing to points past the innermost wall of the recess,a gasket in said recess, intermediate compressing means bearing uponsaid gasket upon the bolt hole side thereof, and threaded bolts in saidholes for pressing said means upon said gasket and the gasket and saiddiaphragm together so as to prevent an escape of fluid through the jointbetween the diaphragm and said chamber casing.

8. In combination a chamber casing having a space for containing fluid,a clamping surface around the space and a passage communicating with thespace, a diaphragm on one side near its edge bearing against saidsurface, a cover casing secured to said chamber casing, having a spaceadjacent to said diaphragm and clamping the diaphragm on the other sidethereof near the edge thereof to said surface, there being in one ofsaid casings a gasket recess adjacent to said diaphragm beyond theclamped part thereof and threaded bolt holes extending from the oppositesurface of that casing to points past the innermost wall of the recess,a gasket in said recess, intermediate compressing means bearing uponsaid gasket upon the bolt hole side thereof, threaded belts in saidholes for pressing said means upon said gasket and the gasket and saiddiaphragm together so as to prevent an escape of fluid through the jointbetween the diaphragm and said chainb er casing, and a motor memberhaving a flange within one of said spaces bearing against the centralpart of said diaphragm.

9. In combination a chamber casing hav ing a space for containing fluid,movement stops within said space and a passage communicating with thespace within the stops, a diaphragm forming the wall of said casingopposite to said stops, a cover casing secured to said chamber casing,clamping the ed e of said diaphragm thereto and having a space adjacentto the diaphragm, and a motor member having a flange within one of saidspaces bearing against the central part of said dia 'ihragm.

10. In combination a chamber casing having a space for containing fluid,quarter circle movement stops within said space, channels between thestops and a passage communicating with the space within the stops, adiaphragm forming the wall of said casing opposite to said stops, acover casing secured to said chamber casing, clamping the edge of saiddiaphragm thereto and having a space adjacent to the diaphragm, and amotor member having a flange within one of said spaces bearing againstthe central part of the diaphragm.

FRANK N. ROEHRICH.

Witnesses KARL REINHARDT, CHARLES VVALLIN.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressingthe Gommissioner of Patents, Washington, D. G.

